DAFI Annual Workshop

On 29^th November 2018, DAFI Annual Workshop was organized for the DAFI scholars 2018-19. Total 43 DAFI scholars attended this one day workshop which was hosted by BOSCO Delhi. Annual DAFI workshop is held every year post the selection of new DAFI scholars which also include their induction program about DAFI scholarship, India.

The workshop started off with a warm welcome note by BOSCO staff addressing the DAFI scholars followed by an activity, in which few students from the bridge and tuition class of BOSCO, distributed orange ribbons to all DAFI scholars as a symbol of support to the 16 Days of Activism campaign against sexual and gender based violence. The new scholars were briefed about the campaign which is an International campaign starting from 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) till 10th December (International Human Rights Day) and has been used as an organizing strategy by individuals and groups around the world, to call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women. The scholars gladly got the orange ribbons pinned up on their clothes and extended their support to the cause.

To create awareness about the rights of a women and the right to fight against all forms of violence, a play named “Growing against Violence” was performed for the DAFI scholars by the Youngistan youth club members. The play showed the journey of a young Afghan girl who was not allowed to study, instead, she was forced to work and earn money for her family. She faced a lot of hardships amidst her father’s death but in the end, her constant hard work and dedication paid off and her dream of becoming a doctor was fulfilled. The play gave a strong message that irrespective of gender, every individual has the right to study, to dream, to pursue their ambition in life and no one should take away that right from anyone, especially from a girl. The play was highly appreciated and applauded by all the scholars.

The workshop was attended by Mr. D J Mathews, Associate Director-Head Internal Controls, PepsiCo India, who was also the Guest Speaker for the workshop. Mr. Mathews spoke about the eleven principles of success and motivated the scholars by giving them examples of great personalities to dream big with a clear vision, to take ownership of their own dream, to work hard, to maintain discipline in life, to have good family relations, to make continuous efforts without stopping, to learn from one’s own mistakes, to practice hard and to always be confident. He also motivated the scholars to fight against all odds and obstacles in life. His encouraging words inspired the scholars to work hard and fulfill their dreams in life.

All the scholars were pleased to meet Mr. Mathews and his words surely made a huge impact on the scholars influencing them to work hard towards their life goals and ambitions. As a token of appreciation for the constant involvement of DAFI scholars in the various activities of BOSCO held in the year 2018, all scholars were given folders and pen. In order to make this day memorable for everyone, a group picture was clicked with the entire batch of DAFI scholars along with the guest.

After the motivational speech by the Guest Speaker, all DAFI scholars were requested to introduce themselves which was followed by the induction program of new DAFI scholars. The scholars were shown a power point presentation which focused on the important points of DAFI scholarship. The facilitators explained all the points which DAFI scholars should know about their DAFI scholarship and also cleared their doubts. The existing scholars also shared their DAFI experiences which motivated the new scholars who joined DAFI in 2018. In the end, a video was recorded for a short film on the DAFI scholars, in which the existing scholars spoke about their DAFI journey and how DAFI scholarship helped them in their tertiary education and to fulfill their dreams. The new scholars shared about their future plans and also shared the importance of DAFI scholarship in their life.